AN animal welfare group ran entirely by volunteers has been awarded a much-needed cash boost.

Tails Animal Rescue has received a £5,000 grant from Support Adoption for Pets, the UK’s largest grant giving animal charity, to go towards the rescue’s vet bills.

Based in Northwich, the animal welfare organisation aims to rehome abandoned cats and dogs.

The group, which is not a registered charity, uses foster homes to house cats and then advertise the cats online to find them new homes, and vet any potential owner.

They also rehome dogs and other animals.

Tails Animal Rescue is run by John Ashworth, 65, and a team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom also have full time jobs.

“We’re only a small band of about 14 volunteers,” John said.

“A few of us are retired, if you can call it that, and the rest of us hold down full time jobs and give up all their free time.

"I am really, really proud of the staff, the volunteers. I couldn’t ask for a better bunch.”

The group originally formed around eight years ago, though they have changed names on numerous occasions.

John was helping out at Mid Cheshire Animal Welfare as a volunteer after being forced to retire through injury.

However, several volunteers, including John, left the charity and decided to set up their own welfare group.

The group have tried to gain charity status over the years but John said they have been unsuccessful.

Tails Animal Rescue doesn’t have a proper base of operations. Much of the work is done from John’s home, where many cats and other animals are also homed.

“We have a few that are unhomeable for various reasons,” John said.

“They become residents and stay with us. It’s not just dogs, it is a variety.

"We get a lot of fun out of it, but some heart ache, when you lose a life, that’s hard to take.”

Tails at Home rely on fundraising and donations to support their work.

Staff from Pets at Home in Chesterway Retail Park have been a big supporter of Tails Animal Rescue and were instrumental in them receiving the £5,000 from Support Adoption for Pets.

Amy Wilson, fundraising manager at Support Adoption For Pets, said: “It is a real privilege to help an organisation that works so hard to care for and rehome animals in need.

“They are doing a superb job, and the effort the rescue puts in is an inspiration.”

For more information visit tailsanimalrescue.co.uk or call 07892 823257.